Living Spiritual Teacher Project
David Aaron
• Rabbi, writer, and spiritual mentor
• Founder of the Isralight Institute
• Interpreter of Jewish mysticism
• Founder of the Isralight Institute
• Interpreter of Jewish mysticism
Adyashanti
• Meditation teacher
• Founder of Open Gate Sangha
• Leader of silent retreats and intensives
• Founder of Open Gate Sangha
• Leader of silent retreats and intensives
Donald Altman
• Psychotherapist and former Buddhist monk
• Professor who integrates mindfulness and brain science
• Prolific writer, international trainer and workshop leader
• Professor who integrates mindfulness and brain science
• Prolific writer, international trainer and workshop leader
Karen Armstrong
• Freelance monotheist
• Writer on the role of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the modern world
• Popular panel and conference speaker for multifaith understanding
• Writer on the role of Christianity, Islam, and Judaism in the modern world
• Popular panel and conference speaker for multifaith understanding
Christina Baldwin
• Premier teacher on journal writing
• Founder of PeerSpirit
• Advocate of storytelling
• Founder of PeerSpirit
• Advocate of storytelling
William J. Barber II
• Founder of the Forward Together Moral Movement
• Lifelong Activist and Organizer
• Pastor, Preacher, and Protestor
• Lifelong Activist and Organizer
• Pastor, Preacher, and Protestor
Diana Butler Bass
• A leading voice in progressive Christianity
• An independent scholar of American religious history
• A prophetic author and speaker
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• An independent scholar of American religious history
• A prophetic author and speaker
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Ezra Bayda
• Zen master affiliated with the Ordinary Mind Zen School
• Meditator and teacher of meditation
• Frequent writer on Zen approaches to life's challenges
• Meditator and teacher of meditation
• Frequent writer on Zen approaches to life's challenges
Robert Benson
• Writer, speaker, and retreat leader
• Alumni of the Academy for Spiritual Formation
• Member of the Friends of Silence and of the Poor, an international prayer community
• Alumni of the Academy for Spiritual Formation
• Member of the Friends of Silence and of the Poor, an international prayer community
J. Brent Bill
• Quaker author and retreat leader
• Minister and seminary faculty member
• Photographer and writing coach
• Minister and seminary faculty member
• Photographer and writing coach
Barbara Biziou
• Writer on rituals for daily life and custom ritual designer
• Spiritual adviser and transition steward
• Corporate trainer and life coach
• Spiritual adviser and transition steward
• Corporate trainer and life coach
Leonardo Boff
• Catholic Brazilian theologian
• Author of more than 60 books on liberation theology, eco-spirituality, philosophy, anthropology, and mysticism
• Honored with
• Author of more than 60 books on liberation theology, eco-spirituality, philosophy, anthropology, and mysticism
• Honored with
Jean Shinoda Bolen
• Jungian analyst in private practice
• Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco
• A feminist and activist for peace and justice
• Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco
• A feminist and activist for peace and justice
Sylvia Boorstein
• Seasoned retreat leader on Buddhist mindfulness practices
• Co-founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and a senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Center.
• Practicing psychotherapist since 1967
• Co-founding teacher at Spirit Rock Meditation Center and a senior teacher at the Insight Meditation Center.
• Practicing psychotherapist since 1967
Joan Borysenko
• Spokesperson for integrative medicine and the mind-body connection
• Medical scientist and psychologist
• Speaker and workshop leader on health, healing, and women's spirituality
• Medical scientist and psychologist
• Speaker and workshop leader on health, healing, and women's spirituality
Cynthia Bourgeault
• Director of the Contemplative Society
• Founder of an International Network of Wisdom Schools
• Teacher of Contemplative Practices
• Founder of an International Network of Wisdom Schools
• Teacher of Contemplative Practices
Tara Brach
• Clinical psychologist and Buddhist teacher
• Founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW)
• Popular retreat leader and speaker
• Founder of the Insight Meditation Community of Washington (IMCW)
• Popular retreat leader and speaker
Joseph Bruchac
• Writer of Native American stories and children's books
• Storyteller who proclaims the continued importance of oral tradition
• Advocate for other Native American writers and artists
• Storyteller who proclaims the continued importance of oral tradition
• Advocate for other Native American writers and artists
Adam Bucko
• Christian contemplative and leader in the New Monastic Movement
• Co-Founder of the Reciprocity Foundation serving homeless youth
• Director of The Center for Spiritual Imagination
• Co-Founder of the Reciprocity Foundation serving homeless youth
• Director of The Center for Spiritual Imagination
Julia Cameron
• Poet, playwright, novelist, filmmaker, and composer
• Creator of the Artist's Way program
• Workshop leader and speaker on creativity
• Creator of the Artist's Way program
• Workshop leader and speaker on creativity
Mantak Chia
• Creator of Universal Healing Tao, an adaptation of traditional Tao teachings
• Prolific speaker, writer, and retreat leader
• Developer of a synthesis of health and Taoist practices
• Prolific speaker, writer, and retreat leader
• Developer of a synthesis of health and Taoist practices
Joan Chittister
• Benedictine sister with an ecumenical outreach and vision
• Interpreter of sacred texts, focusing on issues of peace and justice
• Prolific profiler of the saints
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Interpreter of sacred texts, focusing on issues of peace and justice
• Prolific profiler of the saints
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Pema Chodron
• Very practical teacher of compassion
• Guide to the process of dealing with messy parts of yourself you dislike, including out-of-control emotions
• Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition
• Guide to the process of dealing with messy parts of yourself you dislike, including out-of-control emotions
• Buddhist nun in the Tibetan Vajrayana tradition
Thubten Chodron
• American-born Tibetan Buddhist nun
• Teacher and leader of meditation retreats
• Founder of Sravasti Abbey
• Teacher and leader of meditation retreats
• Founder of Sravasti Abbey
Deepak Chopra
• Bestselling spiritual author
• Founder of the Chopra Center for Well Being
• Physician and leader in the field of holistic medicine
• Founder of the Chopra Center for Well Being
• Physician and leader in the field of holistic medicine
James Conlon
• Accomplished academic and theologian
• Chair and Director of the Sophia Center for Culture and Spirituality in Oakland, California
• Teacher of evolutionary faith
• Chair and Director of the Sophia Center for Culture and Spirituality in Oakland, California
• Teacher of evolutionary faith
Phil Cousineau
• Prolific Writer and Editor
• Cultural historian and documentary filmmaker
• Pilgrimage leader
• Cultural historian and documentary filmmaker
• Pilgrimage leader
Barbara Cawthorne Crafton
• Episcopal priest and spiritual director
• Creative writer on the everyday practice of faith
• E-mail chronicler of God's presence and messages in the midst of life's messes and small triumphs
• Creative writer on the everyday practice of faith
• E-mail chronicler of God's presence and messages in the midst of life's messes and small triumphs
Paula D'Arcy
• Writer, retreat leader and seminar speaker
• President, Red Bird Foundation
• President, Red Bird Foundation
Lama Surya Das
• Buddhist meditation teacher in the Tibetan tradition
• Spokesperson for the emerging American Buddhism
• Retreat leader, writer, and columnist
• Spokesperson for the emerging American Buddhism
• Retreat leader, writer, and columnist
Esther de Waal
• Scholar of Benedictine and Celtic traditions
• Leader of Celtic retreats in the Welsh-English borderlands
• Speaker at convents and monasteries
• Leader of Celtic retreats in the Welsh-English borderlands
• Speaker at convents and monasteries
John Dear
• Seasoned peace and justice activist
• Passionate advocate of nonviolence
• Catholic priest and retreat leader
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Passionate advocate of nonviolence
• Catholic priest and retreat leader
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Larry Dossey
• A physician of internal medicine
• Authority on spiritual healing
• Renowned speaker on spirituality and medicine
• Authority on spiritual healing
• Renowned speaker on spirituality and medicine
Neil Douglas-Klotz
• World renown scholar in religious studies, spirituality and psychology
• Sufi Founder of the worldwide network of the Dances of Universal Peace
• Cochair of the Mysticism Group of the American Academy of Religion
• Sufi Founder of the worldwide network of the Dances of Universal Peace
• Cochair of the Mysticism Group of the American Academy of Religion
Stephanie Dowrick
• Interfaith minister and retreat leader
• Social commentator
• Bestselling Australian author
• Social commentator
• Bestselling Australian author
Mary C. Earle
• Poet and writer on spirituality and illness
• Retreat leader and spiritual director
• Episcopal priest and interfaith leader
• Retreat leader and spiritual director
• Episcopal priest and interfaith leader
Diana Eck
• Professor of Comparative Religion and Indian Studies at Harvard University
• Director of the Pluralism Project
• Advocate of religious freedom
• Director of the Pluralism Project
• Advocate of religious freedom
Gregory C. Ellison II
• Associate Professor of Pastoral Care and Counseling at Candler School of Theology, Emory University
• Founder of Fearless Dialogues
• Ordained Baptist Minister
• Founder of Fearless Dialogues
• Ordained Baptist Minister
Bruce G. Epperly
• Minister in the United Church of Christ and Christian Church (Disciples of Christ)
• Professor at Lancaster Theological Seminary
• Writer and speaker on the connection between spirituality and health
• Professor at Lancaster Theological Seminary
• Writer and speaker on the connection between spirituality and health
Norman Fischer
• American Soto Zen roshi
• Poet, author, teacher, and interreligious retreat leader
• Founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation
• Poet, author, teacher, and interreligious retreat leader
• Founder of the Everyday Zen Foundation
Richard J. Foster
• Quaker writer and spiritual teacher
• Pioneer in Christian spirituality
• Founder of Renovare for the renewal of the Church
• Pioneer in Christian spirituality
• Founder of Renovare for the renewal of the Church
Matthew Fox
• Passionate advocate of Creation Spirituality
• Speaker and workshop leader
• Advocate for the reinvention of work, education, and worship and the reformation of the Christian church
• Speaker and workshop leader
• Advocate for the reinvention of work, education, and worship and the reformation of the Christian church
Robert Frager
• Sheikh in the Halveti-Jerrahi Sufi Order
• Psychologist
• Founder and past president of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
• Psychologist
• Founder and past president of the Institute of Transpersonal Psychology
Laurence Freeman
• Benedictine monk
• Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation
• Participant in contemplative inter-religious dialogues
• Director of the World Community for Christian Meditation
• Participant in contemplative inter-religious dialogues
Mary Margaret Funk
• Benedictine nun, writer, and retreat leader
• Former Executive Director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue
• Former Prioress of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Beach Grove, Indiana
• Former Executive Director of Monastic Interreligious Dialogue
• Former Prioress of the Sisters of St. Benedict of Beach Grove, Indiana
Natalie Goldberg
• Poet, writer, and painter
• Practitioner of Zen Buddhism
• Teacher of writing and creativity
• Practitioner of Zen Buddhism
• Teacher of writing and creativity
Philip Goldberg
• Spiritual counselor and meditation teacher
• Ordained Interfaith Minister
• Cohost of the Spirit Matters podcast
• Ordained Interfaith Minister
• Cohost of the Spirit Matters podcast
Joseph Goldstein
• Buddhist writer and retreat leader
• Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society
• Guiding teacher at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
• Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society
• Guiding teacher at the Barre Center for Buddhist Studies
Philip Gulley
• Quaker pastor known for his stories about everyday spirituality
• Frequent speaker, magazine writer, and television host
• Outspoken critic of the sometimes misguided role of the church in the modern world
• Frequent speaker, magazine writer, and television host
• Outspoken critic of the sometimes misguided role of the church in the modern world
Joan Halifax
• Founder, Abbot, and Head Teacher of Upaya Zen Center
• Hospice worker and Director of the Project on Being with Dying
• Founding Teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order and advocate of engaged Buddhism
• Hospice worker and Director of the Project on Being with Dying
• Founding Teacher of the Zen Peacemaker Order and advocate of engaged Buddhism
Rick Hanson
• Psychologist specializing in personal well-being and contemplative practice
• Bestselling author and popular workshop leader
• Co-founder of Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom
• Bestselling author and popular workshop leader
• Co-founder of Wellspring Institute for Neuroscience and Contemplative Wisdom
Andrew Harvey
• Experienced tour guide through the teachings and practices of the world's mystical traditions
• Persuasive presenter of the nurturing presence of the Sacred Feminine
• Seeker, scholar, and anthologist of sacred texts and saints of all the religions
• Persuasive presenter of the nurturing presence of the Sacred Feminine
• Seeker, scholar, and anthologist of sacred texts and saints of all the religions
Kabir Helminski
• Shaikh of the Mevlevi Order of Sufis
• Translator of Rumi and co-founder and co-director of the Threshold Society
• Muslim educator and retreat leader
• Translator of Rumi and co-founder and co-director of the Threshold Society
• Muslim educator and retreat leader
Camille Helminski
• Co-founder and co-director of the Threshold Society
• Translator of Sufi teachings and Islamic texts
• Spiritual leader of the Women’s Initiative in Islamic Spirituality and Equality
• Translator of Sufi teachings and Islamic texts
• Spiritual leader of the Women’s Initiative in Islamic Spirituality and Equality
Terry Hershey
• Spiritual writer and workshop leader
• Inspirational speaker
• Creator of sanctuary gardens
• Inspirational speaker
• Creator of sanctuary gardens
Roger Housden
• Spiritual writer and explorer of sacred traditions
• Lover of the beauty of the world
• Modern-day pilgrim whose travels have taken him to sacred sites and landscapes around the world
• Lover of the beauty of the world
• Modern-day pilgrim whose travels have taken him to sacred sites and landscapes around the world
Cheri Huber
• Student and teacher of Soto Zen
• Writer and leader of workshops and retreats
• Founder of Living Compassion
• Writer and leader of workshops and retreats
• Founder of Living Compassion
Sandra Ingerman
• Proponent of contemporary shamanic practices
• Licensed psychotherapist who practices "soul retrieval"
• Advocate for spiritual and shamanic responses to degradation of the earth
• Licensed psychotherapist who practices "soul retrieval"
• Advocate for spiritual and shamanic responses to degradation of the earth
Lin Jensen
• Zen Buddhist Teacher
• Founder of a Prison Outreach Program
• Peace Activist and Defender of the Earth
• Founder of a Prison Outreach Program
• Peace Activist and Defender of the Earth
Elizabeth A. Johnson
• Professor of theology
• Pioneer in feminist theological discourse
• Member of the Sisters of St. Joseph
• Pioneer in feminist theological discourse
• Member of the Sisters of St. Joseph
Jon Kabat-Zinn
• Bestselling author on mindfulness
• Bestselling author on mindfulness
• Leads workshops on stress reduction and mindfulness for doctors and other healthcare professionals
• Bestselling author on mindfulness
• Leads workshops on stress reduction and mindfulness for doctors and other healthcare professionals
Byron Katie
• Developer of the method of self-interrogation and realization called The Work
• Popular conference speaker and workshop leader
• Founder of Turnaround House
• Popular conference speaker and workshop leader
• Founder of Turnaround House
Shannon T.L. Kearns
• Priest, podcaster, storyteller, and playwright
• Co-founder of QueerTheology.com
• Advocate for centering queer and trans voices in theology and art
• Co-founder of QueerTheology.com
• Advocate for centering queer and trans voices in theology and art
Sam Keen
• Freelance thinker, seminar leader, philosopher of religion
• Cultural critic with his own idiosyncratic vision
• Trapeze flyer
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Cultural critic with his own idiosyncratic vision
• Trapeze flyer
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Bradford and Hillary Keeney
• Internationally renowned teachers of ecstatic transformation
• Distinguished scholars contributing to interdisciplinary pedagogy
• Co-founders of the Sacred Ecstatics Guild
• Distinguished scholars contributing to interdisciplinary pedagogy
• Co-founders of the Sacred Ecstatics Guild
Ursula King
• Professor of religious studies and spirituality
• Speaker on evolutionary theology
• Writer on interfaith understanding
• Speaker on evolutionary theology
• Writer on interfaith understanding
Jack Kornfield
• Western Buddhist teacher and meditation master
• Psychologist
• Founder of the Insight Meditation Center
• Psychologist
• Founder of the Insight Meditation Center
Lawrence Kushner
• Wise and witty teacher of the spiritual practice of mystery
• Master storyteller using illustrative material from everyday life
• Rabbi, scholar, and commentator
• Master storyteller using illustrative material from everyday life
• Rabbi, scholar, and commentator
Anne Lamott
• Writer of fiction and nonfiction
• Speaker on the craft of writing
• Funny and fresh observer of the life of Christian faith
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Speaker on the craft of writing
• Funny and fresh observer of the life of Christian faith
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Geri Larkin
• Buddhist trained at the Maitreya Buddhist Seminary
• Writer and Dharma teacher
• Founding teacher at Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple in Detroit
• Writer and Dharma teacher
• Founding teacher at Still Point Zen Buddhist Temple in Detroit
Drew Leder
• Speaker and workshop leader on spirituality
• Consultant on spirituality and aging
• Professor of Western and Eastern philosophy at Loyola College in Maryland
• Consultant on spirituality and aging
• Professor of Western and Eastern philosophy at Loyola College in Maryland
Michael Lerner
• Editor of Tikkun magazine
• Rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in San Francisco
• Founder of the Network of Spiritual Progressives
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Rabbi of Beyt Tikkun Synagogue in San Francisco
• Founder of the Network of Spiritual Progressives
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Elizabeth Lesser
• Co-founder and senior adviser of Omega Institute
• Writer and retreat leader
• Teacher on spirituality in Oprah's Soul Series webcasts
• Writer and retreat leader
• Teacher on spirituality in Oprah's Soul Series webcasts
Denise Linn
• Bestselling author of many books on spirituality
• Founder of the International Institute of Soul Coaching
• Leader of spiritual seminars on five continents
• Founder of the International Institute of Soul Coaching
• Leader of spiritual seminars on five continents
Andrew Linzey
• Anglican priest and theologian known for his work on Christianity and animals
• Member of the Faculty of Theology in the University of Oxford, England
• Prolific writer and worldwide lecturer on animal rights
• Member of the Faculty of Theology in the University of Oxford, England
• Prolific writer and worldwide lecturer on animal rights
Allan Lokos
• Dharma/meditation teacher primarily in the Theravada tradition
• Founder and guiding teacher of the Community Meditation Center
• Author of several books on various aspects of the Dharma
• Founder and guiding teacher of the Community Meditation Center
• Author of several books on various aspects of the Dharma
John R. Mabry
• Teacher of world religions
• Interfaith spiritual director
• Pastor of Grace North Church in Berkeley, California
• Interfaith spiritual director
• Pastor of Grace North Church in Berkeley, California
Joanna Macy
• Eco-philosopher and spiritual activist
• Buddhist scholar and author
• International workshop leader on personal and social change
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Buddhist scholar and author
• International workshop leader on personal and social change
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Joseph M. Marshall III
• Member of the Sicangu (Rosebud) Lakota
• Storyteller and preserver of traditional oral stories in writing
• Educator and Native Studies curriculum developer
• Storyteller and preserver of traditional oral stories in writing
• Educator and Native Studies curriculum developer
William Martin
• Teacher of Taoism
• Innovative translator of the Tao Te Ching
• Retreat Leader
• Innovative translator of the Tao Te Ching
• Retreat Leader
James Martin
• Jesuit Priest
• Editor at large of America magazine
• New York Times bestselling author
• Editor at large of America magazine
• New York Times bestselling author
Carl McColman
• Writer and speaker about contemplative life
• Lay associate of the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia
• Retreat leader and spiritual director
• Lay associate of the Trappist Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Conyers, Georgia
• Retreat leader and spiritual director
Jay McDaniel
• Professor of process theology and world religions at Hendrix College
• Director of the Steel Center for the Study of Religion
• Advocate for nature, the wild, and interreligious dialogue
• Director of the Steel Center for the Study of Religion
• Advocate for nature, the wild, and interreligious dialogue
Megan McKenna
• Catholic writer of many books
• International workshop and retreat leader
• Peace and justice activist
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• International workshop and retreat leader
• Peace and justice activist
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Brian D. McLaren
• Christian pastor and mentor
• Activist and Public Theologian
• Conference speaker and podcaster
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Activist and Public Theologian
• Conference speaker and podcaster
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Shaun McNiff
• International pioneer in expressive arts therapy
• Writer of many books on how art heals and creativity enhancement
• Practitioner and teacher of creativity, imagination, and leadership
• Writer of many books on how art heals and creativity enhancement
• Practitioner and teacher of creativity, imagination, and leadership
Resmaa Menakem
• Specialist in racial trauma and community healing
• Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
• Originator and leading proponent of Somatic Abolitionism
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Somatic Experiencing Practitioner
• Originator and leading proponent of Somatic Abolitionism
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Deng Ming-Dao
• Chinese-American writer
• Leader in the renewal of interest in Taoism
• Artist whose work appears in many museums and galleries
• Leader in the renewal of interest in Taoism
• Artist whose work appears in many museums and galleries
Thomas Moore
• Pioneer explorer of the sacred art of soulful living
• Lecturer and prolific writer on care of the soul
• Psychotherapist and former Catholic monk
• Lecturer and prolific writer on care of the soul
• Psychotherapist and former Catholic monk
Alan Morinis
• Founder of the Mussar Institute
• Student and teacher of the practices of the Mussar tradition
• Anthropologist and filmmaker
• Student and teacher of the practices of the Mussar tradition
• Anthropologist and filmmaker
Wayne Muller
• Minister, therapist, and leadership mentor
• Consultant with community, educational, and healthcare organizations
• Founder of Bread for the Journey
• Consultant with community, educational, and healthcare organizations
• Founder of Bread for the Journey
Caroline Myss
• Popular speaker on spirituality and mysticism
• Expert on energy medicine
• Medical intuitive
• Expert on energy medicine
• Medical intuitive
Seyyed Hossein Nasr
• Iranian-American scholar of Islam at George Washington University
• Sufi who works to connect Islam, philosophy, and contemporary culture
• Perennial philosopher who draws on Islam's philosophical tradition
• Sufi who works to connect Islam, philosophy, and contemporary culture
• Perennial philosopher who draws on Islam's philosophical tradition
Mark Nepo
• Gifted poet and bestselling spiritual author
• Wounded healer
• Philosopher and spiritual teacher
• Wounded healer
• Philosopher and spiritual teacher
Kent Nerburn
• Author of spiritual stories and essays
• Educator involved in Native American issues
• A sculptor who now crafts books
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Educator involved in Native American issues
• A sculptor who now crafts books
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
John Philip Newell
• Leading scholar of Celtic spirituality
• International peacemaker in his role as a Church of Scotland minister
• Poet whose work often takes the form of prayer
• International peacemaker in his role as a Church of Scotland minister
• Poet whose work often takes the form of prayer
Hua-Ching Ni
• Synthesizer of the Tao and practices of traditional medicine
• Writer of over 120 books published in English and Chinese
• Founder, with his two sons, of Yo San University of Chinese medicine
• Writer of over 120 books published in English and Chinese
• Founder, with his two sons, of Yo San University of Chinese medicine
Kathleen Norris
• Poet and writer about spirituality
• Speaker to students, medical professionals, social workers, and chaplains
• Oblate of the Benedictine Order
• Speaker to students, medical professionals, social workers, and chaplains
• Oblate of the Benedictine Order
Diarmuid O'Murchu
• Member of the Sacred Heart Missionary Order
• Social psychologist
• Workshop leader and group facilitator for Adult Faith Development
• Social psychologist
• Workshop leader and group facilitator for Adult Faith Development
Christine Valters Paintner
• Online Abbess at the Abbey of the Arts
• Benedictine Oblate and expressive arts consultant
• Writer and artist who emphasizes the connection between spirituality and expression
• Benedictine Oblate and expressive arts consultant
• Writer and artist who emphasizes the connection between spirituality and expression
Parker J. Palmer
• Quaker speaker, activist, and visionary
• Founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal
• Facilitator for Courage to Teach and Courage to Lead programs
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Founder and Senior Partner of the Center for Courage & Renewal
• Facilitator for Courage to Teach and Courage to Lead programs
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Eboo Patel
• Founder and President of Interfaith Youth Core
• Advocate for Pluralism in the United States
• Author and Keynote Speaker
• Advocate for Pluralism in the United States
• Author and Keynote Speaker
Jan Phillips
• Internationally known speaker and workshop leader
• Award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia artist
• Co-founder and Executive Director of the Livingkindness Foundation
• Award-winning writer, photographer, and multimedia artist
• Co-founder and Executive Director of the Livingkindness Foundation
Evan T. Pritchard
• Member of the Micmac people of the Algonquin American Indian nation
• Founder of The Center for Algonquin Culture
• Chronicler of American Indian spirituality, stories, and myths
• Founder of The Center for Algonquin Culture
• Chronicler of American Indian spirituality, stories, and myths
Jamal Rahman
• Muslim Sufi minister and writer on spiritual practices
• One of the touring group known as the Interfaith Amigos
• Popular speaker and workshop leader on interfaith relations
• One of the touring group known as the Interfaith Amigos
• Popular speaker and workshop leader on interfaith relations
Rachel Naomi Remen
• Pioneer in mind/body and holistic health movement
• Educator who sees the practice of medicine as a spiritual path
• Master storyteller and public speaker on how everyone can make a difference in the world
• Educator who sees the practice of medicine as a spiritual path
• Master storyteller and public speaker on how everyone can make a difference in the world
Lewis Richmond
• Teacher of Zen Buddhism
• Expert on applying Buddhist practices to work and aging
• Writer for both Buddhist audiences and general audiences via the Internet
• Expert on applying Buddhist practices to work and aging
• Writer for both Buddhist audiences and general audiences via the Internet
David Richo
• Jungian psychotherapist with a mythic perspective
• Educator and workshop leader
• Author emphasizing the benefits of mindfulness and meditation
• Educator and workshop leader
• Author emphasizing the benefits of mindfulness and meditation
Cole Arthur Riley
• Writer and Poet
• Creator of Black Liturgies
• Curator of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation
• Creator of Black Liturgies
• Curator of The Center for Dignity and Contemplation
Richard Rohr
• Franciscan priest and founder of The Center for Action and Contemplation in Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Internationally known retreat master and speaker
• Spiritual director known for his popular audio-cassettes
• Internationally known retreat master and speaker
• Spiritual director known for his popular audio-cassettes
Ronald Rolheiser
• Catholic priest and theologian
• Speaker, workshop leader, newspaper columnist, and writer on contemporary spirituality
• President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas
• Speaker, workshop leader, newspaper columnist, and writer on contemporary spirituality
• President of the Oblate School of Theology in San Antonio, Texas
Joyce Rupp
• Poet and lyrical writer on the spiritual practice of connections
• Sensitive teacher of the wisdom of Sophia
• Member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community
• Sensitive teacher of the wisdom of Sophia
• Member of the Servites (Servants of Mary) community
Omid Safi
• Teacher in the Sufi tradition of radical love
• Leading Muslim public intellectual
• Professor at Duke University
• Leading Muslim public intellectual
• Professor at Duke University
Sharon Salzberg
• Clear writer on key Buddhist principles such as lovingkindness and equanimity
• Practical teacher of the spiritual practice of compassion
• Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society
• Practical teacher of the spiritual practice of compassion
• Cofounder of the Insight Meditation Society
Scott Russell Sanders
• Distinguished Professor of English at Indiana University
• Author of more than 20 books including novels, stories, and personal nonfiction
• Masterful writer on the spirituality of place and finding a path
• Author of more than 20 books including novels, stories, and personal nonfiction
• Masterful writer on the spirituality of place and finding a path
Sandy Eisenberg Sasso
• Rabbi Emerita of Congregation Beth-el Zedeck in Indianapolis
• Author of award-winning multifaith children's books
• Founder of the Religion, Spirituality and the Arts Initiative
• Author of award-winning multifaith children's books
• Founder of the Religion, Spirituality and the Arts Initiative
Donna Schaper
• Preacher and speaker in the United Church of Christ
• Feminist, peace and justice advocate
• Trainer of ministers and seminarians for public ministry
• Feminist, peace and justice advocate
• Trainer of ministers and seminarians for public ministry
Maggie Oman Shannon
• Advocate of creativity as spiritual practice
• Author, artist, and workshop and retreat facilitator
• Ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual and Unity minister
• Author, artist, and workshop and retreat facilitator
• Ordained Interfaith/Interspiritual and Unity minister
Rami Shapiro
• Translator and commentator on ancient religious texts
• Imaginative teacher of the connections in everyday life
• Rabbi and one of the most creative figures in contemporary American Judaism
• Imaginative teacher of the connections in everyday life
• Rabbi and one of the most creative figures in contemporary American Judaism
Brenda Shoshanna
• Psychologist and therapist
• Zen practitioner
• Counselor, speaker, and workshop leader on relationships and caregiving
• Zen practitioner
• Counselor, speaker, and workshop leader on relationships and caregiving
Margaret Silf
• Popular retreat leader
• Speaker on Ignatian spirituality
• Prolific writer of spiritual books
• Speaker on Ignatian spirituality
• Prolific writer of spiritual books
David Spangler
• Internationally known writer and teacher
• Once a co-director of the Findhorn Foundation community
• Once a co-director of the Findhorn Foundation community
Mirabai Starr
• Writer, translator, and retreat leader
• Bridge-builder among spiritual traditions
• Bereavement counselor
• Bridge-builder among spiritual traditions
• Bereavement counselor
David Steindl-Rast
• Master teacher of the spiritual practice of gratitude
• Hospitable pioneer in Christian-Buddhist dialogue
• Benedictine monk
• Hospitable pioneer in Christian-Buddhist dialogue
• Benedictine monk
Melannie Svoboda
• Sister of Notre Dame of Chardon, Ohio
• Novice Director
• Retreat leader and author
• Novice Director
• Retreat leader and author
Jon M. Sweeney
• Award-winning author, critic, and book publisher
• A leading interpreter of the life of St. Francis
• Speaker at conferences, retreat centers, and churches
• A leading interpreter of the life of St. Francis
• Speaker at conferences, retreat centers, and churches
His Holiness The Dalai Lama
• Political and spiritual leader of the Tibetan people
• Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
• Convener of multifaith dialogues on science, religion, and the mind
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Nobel Peace Prize Laureate
• Convener of multifaith dialogues on science, religion, and the mind
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Robert Thurman
• Professor and writer on the fruits of enlightenment, including peace and compassion
• Teacher of the practical wisdom of Buddhism as applied to contemporary life
• President of the Tibet House U.S dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization
• Teacher of the practical wisdom of Buddhism as applied to contemporary life
• President of the Tibet House U.S dedicated to the preservation and promotion of Tibetan civilization
Eckhart Tolle
• Bestselling author on spirituality
• Public speaker and seminar leader
• Commentator on new consciousness
• Public speaker and seminar leader
• Commentator on new consciousness
Llewellyn Vaughan-Lee
• Writer and lecturer on Sufism and dreamwork
• Founder of the Golden Sufi Center
• Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order
• Founder of the Golden Sufi Center
• Sheikh of the Naqshbandi Sufi Order
Jane Vennard
• Protestant minister
• Seminary professor
• Spiritual director and retreat leader
• Seminary professor
• Spiritual director and retreat leader
Alice Walker
• Pulitzer Prize winning novelist and poet
• Womanist theologian
• Outspoken pacifist and social change activist
• Womanist theologian
• Outspoken pacifist and social change activist
Jim Wallis
• Christian leader for social change
• Speaker, author, and commentator on ethics and public life
• Founder of Sojourners magazine
• Endowed Chair in Faith and Justice and founding Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice
• Speaker, author, and commentator on ethics and public life
• Founder of Sojourners magazine
• Endowed Chair in Faith and Justice and founding Director of the Georgetown University Center on Faith and Justice
Arthur Waskow
• One of the major leaders of the movement for Jewish renewal.
• Founder and director of The Shalom Center
• Jewish rabbi and writer
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Founder and director of The Shalom Center
• Jewish rabbi and writer
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Cornel West
• Author, social critic, and democratic intellectual
• Musician, speaker, teacher, and writer on issues of injustice
• Outspoken activist and preacher
• Musician, speaker, teacher, and writer on issues of injustice
• Outspoken activist and preacher
David Whyte
• Poet and artist
• Explorer of the soul of work
• Corporate consultant on organizational development
• Explorer of the soul of work
• Corporate consultant on organizational development
Robert J. Wicks
• Psychologist and professor of pastoral counseling
• Writer for professionals and the general public
• Mentor for helpers and healers
• Writer for professionals and the general public
• Mentor for helpers and healers
Ken Wilber
• Transpersonal psychologist and philosopher
• Founder and president of the Integral Institute
• Author of 22 books translated in up to 30 languages
• Founder and president of the Integral Institute
• Author of 22 books translated in up to 30 languages
Terry Tempest Williams
• Writer of essays on nature, citizenship, and spiritual journeys
• Scholar in environmental humanities
• Activist and voice for ecological consciousness and social change
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Scholar in environmental humanities
• Activist and voice for ecological consciousness and social change
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
angel Kyodo williams
• Second ordained black woman Zen teacher in the world
• Founder of the Center for Transformative Change
• Protester, activist, and spiritual guide
• Founder of the Center for Transformative Change
• Protester, activist, and spiritual guide
Marianne Williamson
• Internationally acclaimed lecturer and bestselling author
• Interpreter of A Course in Miracles
• Cofounder of the Global Renaissance Alliance of peace activists
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
• Interpreter of A Course in Miracles
• Cofounder of the Global Renaissance Alliance of peace activists
• Featured in The Practicing Democracy Project
Wendy M. Wright
• Professor of theology
• Teacher in graduate ministerial programs for spiritual formation
• Premier writer on family spirituality
• Teacher in graduate ministerial programs for spiritual formation
• Premier writer on family spirituality